Mural makes a wall of difference in Caloundra

If you go down to the corner of Dingle Avenue and Moreton Parade, you’re in for a BIG and colourful surprise!

The once unsightly, graffiti-covered retaining wall at the front of Moreton Sands Apartments has made way for a magnificent mural that is all-things Caloundra. The colourful artwork was commissioned by the Caloundra CBD Taskforce that was formed to drive the revitalisation of Caloundra’s Central Business District.

Division 2 Councillor and Taskforce Chair Tim Dwyer said the mural was a key part of the Taskforce’s role to identify actions and implement strategies to create a point of difference in the Caloundra CBD and enhance its appeal as a shopping, business, investment and visitor destination.

“The Caloundra CBD Taskforce was created in April to begin the process of revitalising the Caloundra CBD according to the recommendations of the Caloundra Economic Revitalisation Study Research and Recommendations Report that was finalised in 2014,” Cr Dwyer said.

“Way-finding public art has been identified by the Taskforce as a key to stimulating and attracting attention to the Caloundra CBD area and engaging people in Caloundra’s past, present and future, as well as inspiring visitors and locals to see Caloundra from a new perspective.

“The selection of the mural concept design was undertaken by ten members of the Caloundra CBD Taskforce, with their selection endorsed by council’s Public Art officer and the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce.”

The use of the privately owned site for the mural has been supported by the property owner and the body corporate. The cost of the mural has been covered by funds generated by parking meters in the Caloundra CBD.

It was created by Caloundra-based artist Steven Bordonaro, who said the inspiration for the work came easily.

“I just love this town and I think this mural will be a great promotion for Caloundra and hopefully something that this town can be proud of,” he said.

“As well as including way-finding elements, I wanted to create something really bright and positive and the comments and feedback from people passing by as I’ve been painting over the past couple of weeks have all been 100% positive.

“For locals when they look at this, they’ll see a lot of elements that stick out each time they pass it and a lot of historical landmarks that are synonymous with this area.

“And the contribution to this mural from young local up and coming artist Cassie Munson as part of a mentorship program was absolutely invaluable.”

Fast facts about the Caloundra CBD Taskforce

The role of the Taskforce is to:

• Guide the implementation of the 12 priority recommendations in the Caloundra Economic Revitalisation Study Research and Recommendations Report.
• Provide input to the development of a master plan for the Caloundra CBD by Council.
• Identify actions and strategies that will enhance the main street’s point of difference and appeal as a shopping, business and investment destination.
• Develop a three-year plan containing actions that can be implemented and will guide how measurable change towards the vision for the area will be achieved.
• Guide performance monitoring and reporting on revitalisation indicators for the CBD.
• Establish a strategy for future funding that is endorsed by the business community and commercial property owners.

The taskforce includes Cr Dwyer, two representatives from the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce and nine members of the local business community.

*Further information and profiles of taskforce members are available via the following link: http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=caloundra-cbd-project